opinion
So, what’s another year?
etrospectively, it is an opportunity to look back
on a 12-month period that was a bit like the
proverbial football game of two halves. It started
out bleak and pessimistic yet it ended on a much more
positive note.
Relative to the extreme low ebb the industry had sunk
to, the last quarter in particular was refreshing. Of course
it was nothing like the boom times but there was
sustained growth in the
marketplace, especially
in refurbishment and
replacement.
Not surprisingly,
repair and maintenance
is also significantly up
with commercial building owners and householders alike
seeking to nurse existing systems along. Replacement
opportunities will come here too, and sooner rather
than later.
Looking to the future, there is much to be optimistic
about. Small incremental growth – driven by a mix of
necessity and regulatory controls – will be the order of
the day.
So, in seeing 2012 out just be glad to have survived
and, in looking to 2013, do so with a positive, optimistic
outlook. Things can, and will, get better.
Nollaig Shona agus athbhliain faoi mhaise dhaoibh
go léir. ■

R

1

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News and Products

Refrigeration industry shows united force
The refrigeration sector demonstrated once again that it is one of the most united
and coordinated sectors within building services when it held a very successful
information day in Dublin recently.
Organised by Refrigeration Skillnet with the support of RII and FGR, the occasion
comprised an afternoon session with eight speakers making sharp and concise
presentations on a vast
cross-section of matters
relating to the industry. They
included David Roome,
Fergus Daly, Dave Killalea,
Seamus Kerr, Domnick Ward,
Philip Byrne, Catriona Collins
and Jean Clarke.
Apart from the value of the
information imparted,
Caitriona Collins, EPA
Jean Clarke, DECLG
attendees also took advantage
of the opportunity to engage with one another, share opinions, ask questions, and
essentially network.
The occasion proved extremely successful and is a model that other industry
sectors could well do with emulating.

Hitachi moves to new premises

2

Due to continued growth and expansion Hitachi Air Conditioning Ireland has
moved to new premises located at Unit 9, Bluebell Business Park, Dublin 12.
In addition to larger office accommodation, the purpose-designed unit also
incorporates a tailor-made training facility to house the Hitachi Ireland Training
Aircademy. This is a very important element of the support service provided by
Hitachi and means that installers and dealers can benefit from a whole programme
of training courses and seminars. They will run continuously throughout the year,
while dedicated modules on specific
products and systems will be
available on request.
Fergus Daly,
“We’re very excited about the
Hitachi Area
Sales Manager
move”, says Area Sales Manager
Ireland pictured
Fergus Daly, “and especially so as it
at the company’s
new offices with particularly reflects the steady growth
in business over the last six months;
David Oldroyd,
President and
we needed these additional facilities
Managing
to accommodate this growth, and to
Director of
provide the platform for continued
Hitachi Air
expansion into next year.
Conditioning
Europe.
“To this end we will continue to
maintain a strong marketing
presence in traditional media but will
supplement that with increased activity on social media such as Facebook and
Twitter, and by offering various apps.
Contact: Fergus Daly, Area Sales Manager, Hitachi Ireland. Tel: 01 – 216 4406;
email: Fergus.daly@hitachi-eu.com

Modula to
partner AWS
Dublin-based Modula has
entered a new partnership
agreement with Apex Wiring
Solutions (AWS) to provide
design, technical and logistical
support for its Irish operations.
Modular wiring systems are
increasing in popularity due
to the pressure on planners,
designers and contractors to
complete projects under tighter
programmes and budgets.
With the gradual shift from
traditional to “modern”
construction methods, the
current market focus is on
faster, more
Modula
efficient, more
Director
Paul
environmentally
Falvey
friendly
products and
techniques.
Over the last
decade AWS
has developed
market-leading
armoured and
un-armoured flexible pluggable
wiring solutions for commercial,
healthcare, educational,
Institutional, retail, residential
and modular construction
projects.
A complete pluggable
installation is achieved quickly
and safely by simply connecting
the system components. Project
cost savings in comparison with
conventional lighting and general
services power wiring methods

Open Your Eyes to Perfect Service
As a world-wide leader in electronics
Toshiba not only develops new
technologies but provides products and
systems that improve health and
comfort. Toshiba designs and
manufactures state-of-the-art air
conditioning and heating, with
innovative technologies in all areas.
From superior performance to reduced
power consumption, from air treatment
to expert technical support.

✔ Full stock of heat pumps and spares available off-the-shelf
✔ Same day delivery (for orders received before midday)
✔ Equipment returns policy (re-stocking charge may apply)
✔ Technical support available in Ireland by calling an Irish

mobile and speaking with an Irish technician
✔ 24/7 tech support
✔ Text back service (0044 7624 803 017)
✔ Fully resourced up-to-date website
for all sales and technical manuals

Service as it should be
For further information contact:

GT Phelan
Tel: 01 286 4377
Email: info@gtphelan.ie
www.gtphelan.ie

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News and Products

Ryan appointed Murco GM
Murco, the Dublin-based manufacturer of fixed-gas
detection equipment, has appointed Derek Ryan
(pictured) as its new General
Manager. Derek takes over from Ian
Dunlop, a long time employee of
Murco, who has established his own
gas detection field service company.
Derek is a proven, experienced
business leader with over 25 years of
management, operations, supply
chain and global sales experience in
the electronics industry. Since Murco
was acquired by Bacharach last year,
the company has experienced rapid growth. Derek’s
focus will be on improving still further Murco’s overall
performance.
Speaking about the change Bacharach’s President
Stacy Brovitz said: “It is with mixed emotions that Ian
Dunlop leaves Murco but I am delighted to announce
that he is not venturing too far from his roots as he has
been appointed Murco’s first Factory Authorised
Service Provider.
Contact: Derek Ryan, Murco. Tel: 01 – 284 6388;
www.murcogasdetection.com

LG Art Cool from DWG
LG’s Art Cool air conditioners are efficient and economical to
run, are said to produce less noise than standard
counterparts, and are available in three colours that are
simple and easy to change.
Designed like a work of art with photo-changeable facade,
the units deliver even cooling from front and both sides.
Contact: Ian Dennis, Business Manager, DWG.
Tel freefone: 1800 email: ian@gascoireland.com

Hevac packaged plant room

4

Hevac’s Commercial and Industrial Division has provided the boilerhouse packaged plant room
for the HSE at St Mary’s Hospital in the Phoenix Park. Hevac’s internal design and engineering
team did the overall design for the project, produced AutoCAD drawings for client approval, and
completed the entire design and build program to the client’s specification.
The plant room in question incorporates two De Dietrich MCA 90 wall hung gas boilers complete
with Duomo gas detection, Wilo pumps and pressurisation unit, and all pipes and fittings.
The benefits to the HSE of using Hevac for the complete plant room are reduced on-site labour,
elimination of possible damage by other trades, minimum downtime, and a reduction in the use of
premium site space.
Hevac’s Karl Carrick said that the company is constantly striving to develop the services it
provides and that the packaged plant room is the obvious extension to its current offering. Its range
of packaged plant room solutions incorporate a number of elements such as:
St Mary’s Hospital, • Heating plant
Phoenix Park • Hot water generation
• Pump rooms
• Generator plant
• Water filtration
• Steam plant for heating or process systems
• Combined heat and power (CHP)
“With over 40 years expertise in the industry”, said Karl, “Hevac will deliver a highly-efficient,
energy saving, quality solution incorporating the very latest component innovation and energy
saving capabilities.”
Contact: Hevac. Tel: 01- 419 1919; email: info@hevac.ie

Code of Practice SR 502 for building services
NSAI has just published SR 50-2
Code of Practice for Building
Services Part 2 Thermal Solar
Systems. These guidelines were
established to elaborate on the
requirements for solar water heating
systems, not directly addressed by
Part L of the Building Regulations.
The guidelines are intended to
assist providers and specifiers of
solar water heating systems in the
interpretation of the requirements,
and to provide guidance as to how
the requirements should be
addressed.
This document was developed by
a working group of representatives
from NSAI Agrément, the
Department of Environment,
Community and Local Government,
and the Sustainable Energy
Authority of Ireland.
Copies can be purchased from
NSAI Standard Sales at Tel: 01 - 857
6730; email: info@standards.ie

TotalCare services
For secure, optimal operations

Xylem TotalCare is a comprehensive, integrated portfolio of
services that ensures your business keeps running at its best.
Our portfolio comes backed by deep systems knowledge and
expertise in water and wastewater applications. Which gives
you the operational security and more time to focus on your
core business.
What can Xylem do for you?

Call 01 452 4444 or visit
www.xylemtotalcare.com

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bs news ❙ November/December 2012

News and Products

OFTEC wants oil technican register
The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in
Ireland recently launched a consultation on revisions of the Building
Regulations which will require the installation of CO alarms in all new
dwellings, provide guidance on the type of alarm to be installed, and where to
locate them. This is similar to legislation recently introduced in Northern
Ireland.
However, OFTEC feels it does not go far enough. Damien Keenan, OFTEC
Ireland, said: “While this proposal is positive, a CO alarm is only one of a
number of preventative measures that should be put in place to reduce the
risk of CO poisoning. An alarm, while important, can give a false sense of
security and the best protection is to have appliances serviced regularly by a
qualified technician.”
OFTEC has also called on Minister Pat Rabbitte to introduce a mandatory
registration scheme for oil technicians. This would serve as an additional
safety measure for householders, ensuring all technicians, across all fossil
fuels, are suitably trained and qualified to detect carbon monoxide and provide
competent servicing and installation works.

Magna3 all systems go

6

Grundfos held an exciting and dynamic product launch
in Dublin recently to herald the introduction of the new
Magna3 range of pumps to Ireland. Magna3 is a range
of small, medium and large circulator pumps fitted with
electronically-controlled motors based on permanent
magnet (PM) and compact stator technology.
With Magna3 contractors can simply install the
pump and leave it on the factory AUTOADAPT setting.
It will then analyse the heating system demands and
find the optimal setting, thereafter continuously adjusting
its operation to changes within the
system demand. The result is optimal
comfort and minimum energy
consumption.
Magna3 pumps are
extremely flexible and reliable,
and have low noise levels,
long life and minimum
maintenance requirements.
They are fitted with
GENIair wireless
communication as
standard and can also
be expanded to offer
extended control options
with Communication Interface Modules (CIM).
Application include air-conditioning and cooling
systems, domestic hot-water systems, ground source
heat pump systems and solar-heating systems.
Contact: Liam McDermott, Grundfos (Ireland).
Tel: 01 – 408 9800; www.grundfos.ie

Powrmatic high efficiency
cabinet heaters
Powrmatic Ireland has introduced the CPx range
of cabinet heaters, which are said to combine an
enhanced design of combustion chamber with a
new three-pass heat exchanger to
deliver efficiencies of around 92%.
With outputs from 30kW to 300kW
for free-blowing or ducted
applications, CPx heaters can be
used with natural gas, propane, oil or
liquid biofuel – with a choice of
on/off, high/low or modulating
burners. They are available in either
upright or horizontal configuration,
and can be installed directly into the
space to be heated, sited in plant
rooms or specified for external
applications.
Free-blowing models are equipped
with heads that provide adjustable
rotational and lateral jet direction.
Ducted units are provided with an outlet spigot for
connection to ductwork and supported by a
comprehensive range of return air spigots,
dampers and filters. All units have the ability to
operate in “fan only’” mode for summer cooling.
CPx heaters are supplied ready for automatic
operation, complete with safety and comfort
control and including optimised start/stop, digital
time switch, day thermostat and frost protection
thermostat. They can also be used with remote
temperature sensors.
For ease of installation, upright heater controls
are factory fitted and pre-wired while horizontal
and external heaters are supplied with a remote
console.
Contact: Powrmatic Ireland. Tel: 01 – 452 1533;
www.powrmatic.ie

IPFMA appoints Igoe
Jane Igoe has been appointed
Learning and Development
Manager by the IPFMA. She
takes up the position of IPFMA
Skillnet Network Manager, as
well as managing both the
Higher Certificate in Property
and Facility Management course
and the CPD events calendar.

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News and Products

CIBSE on parade
With a capacity 250 attendance packing out the function
room in the Davenport Hotel in Dublin recently for the
CIBSE Annual Lunch, it is prove positive that this
occasion is now the premier event on the building services
industry calendar.
Consultants, contractors and product suppliers rub
shoulders in an informal atmosphere where the emphasis
is very much on networking, but in a very relaxed and
easy-going fashion.
Guest speaker this year was Sean Fitzpatrick, Carillion
Darren Yourell, Unitherm with David Doherty, Hevac and
Energy Services. His address was most informative and
Declan Kissane, Unitherm.
pointed to a new way of
working and living for
industry personnel that is
fast becoming the norm.
CIBSE Ireland Chairman
Derek Mowlds gave an
excellent resume of the
CIBSE programme
throughout the year (see also
page 36), while it would be
Guest speaker Sean Fitzpatrick, Account
remiss not to acknowledge
Director
for Commercial Energy Services,
the massive contribution
Kevin Kelly, DIT with Majella Kelleher, SEAI, David
London with Derek Mowlds, Chairman
Gary McKeown made in
Taylor, IEI and Eugene Phillips, PMC Partnership.
CIBSE.
organizing the event.

Coal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; flying in
the face of
convention
According to a recent report by
the World Resources Institute
(WRI), 1,199 new coal-fired
plants, with a total installed
capacity of 1,401,278 megawatts
(MW), are being proposed
globally. These projects are
spread across 59 countries with
China and India together
accounting for 76% of the
proposed new capacities.
State-owned power
companies play a dominant role
in proposing new coal-fired plant
projects, not just in China, but in
Turkey, Indonesia, Vietnam,
South Africa, Czech Republic
and many other countries.
That said, new emissions
proposed in the US and a
voluntary cap on the use of coal
in China could, it is believed,
begin to turn the tide.

Organisations entering
this year’s Sustainable
Energy Awards have
achieved savings of
€28 million, according
to Dr Brian Motherway,
Chief Executive of the
Sustainable Energy
Authority of Ireland
(SEAI). He was speaking
as the winners of the
Energy Awards were
presented in Dublin at
a ceremony hosted by
SEAI and sponsored
by Electric Ireland.

Energy Awards stimulate €28
million in energy savings
“What we are now seeing is a

site’s significant energy users that

positive effect on business as more and
more companies, and indeed public
bodies, are working to reduce their
energy costs”, said Dr Motherway. “Over
10,000 people are employed in the
organisations that entered the Sustainable
Energy Awards this year and they are all
active proof that sustainable energy is
important, not only from a cost-saving
perspective, but also for protecting vital
Irish jobs."
The Sustainable Energy Awards
reward excellence in energy management
by organisations of all sizes and this year
attracted almost 100 entries. The joint
winners of the Outstanding Leadership in
Energy Management Award were Padraig
Traynor, Facilities Manager, Stewarts
Care and Pat Mehigan, Facilities
Manager, Tyndall Institute.
Stewarts Care won the Award for its
multi-faceted retrofit programme, funded
through an energy performance contract
with Dalkia, saving 11% in energy costs.
Tyndall implemented an intensive energyreduction programme focusing on the

resulted in a 30% reduction in energy use
and a zero-carbon impact from its new
5,500 sq m building.
Other notable winners included –
Astellas Ireland, winner of the Renewable
Energy Systems Award, for the installation
of a wood chip boiler displacing 90% of
its oil consumption and a wind turbine
offsetting over 20% of imported electricity;
and the Department of Education and
Skills for a new primary school facility,
Colaiste Choilm, in Tullamore. The school
which acquired an A2 rating, is 40% more
efficient than a standard school and will
serve as a test facility for the Department’s
school building programme.
Congratulating the 2012 Award
winners, Minister for Communications,
Energy and Natural Resources Mr Pat
Rabbitte, TD, said: “The organisations
that have been showcased through the
Sustainable Energy Awards are to be
commended for their innovation,
determination and ultimately success in
bringing about meaningful cost and CO2
savings. Initiating change, as many of
these companies have, can be very
difficult, not least in challenging economic
circumstances. But I hope these
organisations can truly appreciate the
benefits of what they’ve achieved and
I encourage others to learn from their
example.”
Commenting on the Awards Bríd
Horan, Executive Director, Electric
Ireland, said: “The financial savings
achieved by the organisations
participating in this year’s Awards are
proof that embracing energy
management and engaging staff in

Let Panasonic help you
meet ErP requirements
From 1 January 2013 the energy performance calculation for air
conditioning systems will change from an overall EU-based standard
of EER and COP to a new standard based on seasonal efficiencies of
SEER and SCOP. The changes in relation to heat pumps will not
come into force until 2015.
These changes to the Energy
Related Products Directive, or ErP, will give
the building services industry a better
understanding of the real efficiency of air
conditioning and heat pump systems.
Here Vincent Mahony, Panasonic Ireland
General Manager, gives his assessment
of the changes.
“The ultimate aim of Erp is to direct
manufacturers of energy-using products
to reduce energy consumption and other
negative environmental impacts on
products at the design stage. These
measures are great news for end-users
as they will get even more value for every
euro spent on energy efficiency. This is
also good news for specifiers and installers
as they will be seen as bringing these
benefits to the end-user.
“Any initiative that drives a reduction in
CO2 is welcomed. In the past, the COP or

10

EER gave a value at fixed points, detailing
the efficiency of the air conditioning
system or heat pump. This new Directive
shows seasonal performance – not the
best, not the worst, but the overall
performance of the system. The Directive
gives a truer picture of energy performance.
It is a tougher system of rating but a far
better one.
“Installers and specifiers will notice that
the energy class will extend to A+++ and
the C classification will be banished.
Panasonic is already ahead of the game.
High efficiency air conditioning products,
like our PACi and RAC line-up, will be
highly rated when the regulation is
introduced.
“The Directive means that all air
conditioning products will have to be more
efficient. Indoor and outdoor units may also
have to be larger to achieve these improved
efficiencies. With the PACi system,

Panasonic had to redesign all its indoor
and outdoor units. The move has clearly
paid dividends.
“At Panasonic, our coils and fans have
been upgraded to the levels of energy
efficiency demanded by the Directive. In
some cases motors have also been
switched from AC to DC. Some installers
may well stick to their old brands for key
projects but it is the budget products that
they will let go. Consultants and end
users will look for the ErP mark and
installers will follow suit.
“At Panasonic we are confident that
we can meet the needs of the end user in
these demanding times. We have a
fantastic line-up of energy efficient products
in air conditioning and heat pump
technology. With the rising cost of oil,
consumers are beginning to recognise
the great potential of air source heat
pumps. Installed together with photovoltaic systems, they make a great
combination and can have a significant
impact on reducing heating bills,
especially in the social housing arena.
Our recently-launched Aquarea range
really does fit the bill here, offering classleading energy savings.
“As the recovery gathers momentum,
energy efficiency will continue to be a key
factor. This is something that’s not going to
change and at Panasonic we are leading
the way to meet that challenge”.
Contact: Vincent Mahony,
Panasonic Ireland. Tel: 01 – 413 5311;
Mobile: 087 – 969 4221; email:
vincent.mahony@eu.panasonic.com ■

Data centre peace
of mind by Core AC
While devising appropriate and tailored solutions for indoor
environments is essential no matter what the application,
there is no denying how critical it is in respect of data
centres and computer rooms. System failure and downtime
simply cannot be tolerated in such instances as the
consequences can be catastrophic from both a performance
and cost point of view.
onsequently, it is perhaps the
most complex area of building
services and one which
requires specialist attention based
on experience, knowledge, technical
know-how and product quality. Core
Air Conditioning is one of the few
companies operating in the field who
match this exacting criteria.
Core has a long-standing reputation
as one of the leading market
players providing customised indoor
environment control, and is
especially renowned for delivering
comprehensive turnkey packages for
data centres and computer rooms.
It has a wealth of experience and
technical expertise in the field, thanks
to its own highly-qualified, in-house
engineers, and its partnership with
the global Emerson Group and, by
extension, Liebert.
Whether it is a new build or retrofit
situation, Core engages with the
client, the consultant and contractor
(as appropriate) from the earliest
possible stage, and only proposes a
solution when all the relevant
parameters have been thoroughly
discussed and clarified. Invariably they
include free-cooling chillers, cold aisle
containment, modulating in-row
cooling units, high-efficiency UPS
systems, etc
Key issues considered at the design
stage are power, cooling, metering,

procedures. Core’s pro-active
maintenance programmes can
significantly extend the life of the
power systems, decrease capital
investment, optimise system efficiency
and effectiveness, and increase overall
system availability. This is done by
way of a combination of the following:
– Preventive maintenance;
– Remote monitoring;
– Professional assessments;

C

12

Emerson Network Power
offers a complete menu of
service options for data
centres to meet any
specific need.

monitoring, fire suppression, leak
detection, etc. These are then
analysed in relation to the specific
needs of the client to help identify
gaps in power and cooling
infrastructure, reduce operating
costs, improve IT system availability,
and plan for additional IT capacity.
Core also offers a full range of
professional assessments, electrical
testing and service management
support, not just to prevent
downtime, but to enhance data
center performance while containing
energy-usage costs.
Indeed, underpinning the entire
process is the system’s power usage
effectiveness (PUE). When designing
the technical spec for the project,
capital costs and day-to-day operating
costs are considered in equal measure
to system performance and reliability.
This emphasis is also carried
through to ongoing maintenance

– Upgrades;
– Efficiency of emergency response;
– Service management and support.
Continuous on-site and in-house
system monitoring prevents major
system failures. Potential problems
are invariably flagged quite early so
they can be dealt with quickly and
efficiently before they become a major
issue. To that end Core offers 24-hour
call-out, seven days a week, 365
days of the year. It also has its own
dedicated engineers who liaise with,
and respond to, the client’s Facilities
Manager directly.
Apart from optimised system
performance, trouble-free operation
and excellent energy usage, what
Core Air Conditioning provides most
of all is client peace of mind.
Contact: Austin McDermott, Core Air
Conditioning. Tel: 01 – 409 8912;
email: austin@coreac.com;
www.coreac.ie ■

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bs news ❙ November/December 2012

New generation Daikin
VRV IV raises benchmark
Daikin’s new-generation VRV IV series achieves
a new benchmark for efficiency as it features
three revolutionary innovations – variable
refrigerant temperature, continuous heating
on heat pump, and the VRV configurator for
simplified commissioning.
Variable refrigerant technology
means the system can be customised
by the installer using a choice of presets
to optimise the energy and comfort
balance for each project. In automatic
mode, the system is configured for the
highest efficiency levels throughout
the year, while allowing rapid response
on the hottest days. This technology
delivers a 25% increase in seasonal
efficiency because the system
continually adjusts the refrigerant
temperature according to the total
required capacity and the external
weather conditions.
Continuous heating during defrost
is another innovation that sets a new
standard in heating comfort. This
feature overcomes any perceived
disadvantages of specifying a heat
pump, because the heat pump
continues to provide heating even
when in defrost mode.
Why is this important? All heat
pumps accumulate ice during heating
operation, which must be melted
periodically. Previously, defrost
operations reverse the refrigeration
cycle, causing a temporary temperature
drop within the room. VRV IV features
a unique heat accumulating element
which provides dedicated energy for
the defrost function. Consequently, the

indoor units continue to provide heating
and a comfortable indoor climate is
maintained at all times.
The new VRV
configurator completes
the trio of innovations and
offers an advanced
software solution that
simplifies commissioning
and customisation. This
means less time is
required on the roof
configuring the outdoor
unit. Ongoing maintenance
is easier too, thanks to a
graphical interface
that allows
engineers to evaluate
operational data and
errors.
The VRV configurator
also allows multiple systems
within multiple sites to be
managed all in exactly the
same way, thus offering simplified
commissioning for key accounts.
To complement the VRV IV system,
Daikin’s new Intelligent touch manager
offers an intuitive user interface with a
visible floorplan. This can manage up
to 2560 groups of indoor units and
provides energy management tools
to maximise efficiency.

The VRV IV system can be used
together with a wide range of ventilation
units, hot water hydroboxes, Biddle air
curtains and Daikin’s latest round-flow
cassettes, which feature a daily autocleaning filter that reduces energy
consumption over the year by up to
49%. The round flow cassette is also
available with a presence sensor that
adjusts the set point or switches off the
unit when nobody is in the room, saving
a further 27% in energy consumption.

eQ PRIME Air Handling Unit
The right choice
Flaktwoods, a leading global supplier of energy efficient air
climate and ventilation systems, has launched the new
eQ PRIME range of air handling units, designed to reduce
capital costs and optimise energy savings.
The eQ PRIME contains newly-engineered, maximum energy,
efficient permanent magnet motors (IE4 compliant) which
contribute to lowering specific fan power volume (SFPv) and
potentially reducing the overall size of the new unit.
Fully compatible with building management systems (BMS),
the eQ PRIME also benefits from a variety of control and
adjustment functions, including energy monitoring systems,
energy saving summer night cooling mode, temperature
regulation and cooling recovery.

Fläkt Woods a provider for all your needs
Fläkt Woods is a provider of many products and systems for a wide range of specialized market sectors.
Please see a few of these products below.

Fläkt Woods a provider for all your needs

Fläkt
Woods
is ayour
provider
of many
and needs
systems for a wide range of specialized market sectors.
Solutions
for all
air climate
and products
air movement
Please
see ais few
of these
below. We specialise in the design and manufacture of a wide range
Fläkt Woods
a global
leaderproducts
in air management.
of air climate and air movement solutions our collective experience is unrivalled. Our constant aim is to provide
systems that
deliver
required
function
and performance,
as well as maximise energy efﬁciency.
Solutions
for precisely
all your air
climate
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needs
Fläkt Woods is a global leader in air management. We specialise in the design and manufacture of a wide range
of air climate and air movement solutions our collective experience is unrivalled. Our constant aim is to provide
Terminal
Devicesand performance, as well as maximise energy efﬁciency.
systems that precisely deliverAir
required
function
and Ducts
Controls and drives

Air Handling Units

Air Terminal Devices

(AHUs)

and Ducts
Controls and drives
Chilled Beams

Air Handling Units
(AHUs)

Chilled Beams

Chillers

Fans
Chillers

Fans

Acoustical Products

Residential ventilation
Energy recovery

Acoustical Products

Residential ventilation
Energy recovery

Save energy, your economy and
the environment with Fläkt Woods
Energy optimisation is an important aspect of ventilation where
Fläkt Woods has widely recognised expertise. We use highly
rational e3 products and solutions, which serve the dual purpose
of saving both the environment and your long-term economy.

Big Foot plant support systems
Low cost, big results, no limits
Big Foot Systems designs and manufactures freestanding systems to support plant equipment and services
installed on flat roofs. The range of support products provide
a quick, versatile and economical solution for HVAC, solar
units and access equipment with its simple, safe and secure
non-penetrative, prefabricated roof support systems. “We
have developed a strong working relationship with Gasco
(now DWG), our distribution partner in the Republic of
Ireland”, says Dan Rushton, Big Foot UK Commercial
Manager. “This is demonstrated by the number, frequency
and diversity of projects we have completed over recent
years. Our products and projects have ranged from custom
heavy-duty pipe supports in Athlone to standard and bespoke
support frames for VRF’s, AHU’s and Chillers across Dublin”.
Big Foot Systems launched in 2001 with the introduction of
simple frameworks to support condensing units. The

company’s aim was to provide an easy and economical
alternative to poured concrete and concrete blocks for
supporting plant on a flat roof without penetrating or
damaging the roof surface. The result was a cheaper, safer,
less intrusive and quicker-to-install alternative.
The on-site flexibility of the framework systems proved
popular and the product range was developed to include
cost-effective supports for duct and pipework runs. Two
simple walkway systems were also added to offer a secure
route for service engineers and other personnel.
The company now offers a complete support solution
for plant equipment on flat roofs, with an experienced
technical support team, selling internationally through
distributors in over 25 countries.
Big Foot Systems sets the standard on any installation
while meeting the needs of architects, consultants, engineers
and contractors. There are any number of options available,
the HD Cube, VRV/VRF Frame and HD Beam among them.
HD Cube
The HD Cube offers a complete, efficient and robust solution
for supporting heavier services on flat roofs such
as large plant rooms, chillers and large air handling units.
The HD Cube provides a simple approach without the
necessity of casting traditional concrete plinths early on
in the construction.
VRV/VRF Frame
Developed for the siting of most major manufacturers
VRV/VRF systems, this lightweight and easily-assembled
modular frame system is quick to install and provides a
robust and secure method of support. Manufacturers units
currently covered include Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Daikin,
Toshiba and Samsung.

16

Carrier units supported by Big Foot HD Cube installation.

HD Beam
The HD Beam was developed as a lighter weight companion
to the HD Cube. Typical applications include large chillers,
large air handling units and heavy pipes and services. HD
Beam is a robust but flexible solution where space may be
limited, or there is a requirement to position directly over
existing structural roof beams. With M24
stud built into both legs to accommodate roof falls, the
requirement for additional adjustment is not usually needed.
An optional, “quick fitting” Clamp Kit ensures a rigid fix.
Contact: Ian Dennis, Business Manager, DWG.
Tel freefone: 1800 443 210; 01 – 462 7311;
mobile: 086 – 812 4445; email: ian@gascoireland.com;
www.dwg-deanwoodgasco.com ■

Hitachi ErP edit:Layout 1

12/12/2012

13:31

Page 1

bs news ❙ November/December 2012

Hitachi ErP compliant ahead of deadline
The Eco-Design of Energy-related Products (ErP) Directive provides consistent
EU-wide rules for improving the environmental performance of energy related
products by requiring
integration
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ensuring reduced energy consumption to benefit
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hese regulations include air
conditioning products, which are a
key source of energy consumption
in buildings, and require all manufacturers
to calculate energy usage in a more
realistic way, moving from nominal
to seasonal, creating a more accurate
calculation and representation of products
in the market.
Hitachi has always engineered the
most environmentally-friendly heating and
cooling products and has now introduced
a complete range of fully ErP-compliant
air conditioning products. Where product
ranges and models fall outside the scope
of the ErP Directive (<12kW), there are
a series of enhancements for RAC, Set
Free, Utopia and Chiller, in particular IVX
Premium and Hi-Efficiency VRF, which
are market leaders in Japan’s Annual
Performance Factor (APF) for seasonal
efficiency.

T

VRF without the price tag
IVX and IVX Premium offer high seasonal
efficiencies, as well as complete flexibility,
with all outdoor units from both ranges
being fully compatible with the System
Free range of indoor units. Hitachi’s IVX
technology has all the benefits of VRF,
including individual control of each indoor
unit with an increased number of twin,
triple and quad combinations, in addition
to delivering excellent part-load efficiency.
With cooling capacities and heating
capacities from 2HP to 12HP, a maximum
of eight indoor units are connectable to a

single outdoor unit, with individual control
and efficiencies achieved as high as
A++/A+ (depending on model/
combinations).
Future-proof installations
In addition to the Set Free FSXN series,
which offers two-pipe heat pump and
three-pipe heat recovery options from a
single unit, Hitachi has introduced a new
high efficiency series with greatlyimproved efficiency levels and increased
piping lengths. With capacities from 5HP to
36HP, there is a model for every building
and all are fully compatible with System
Free indoor units and controls.
Flexibility built in
The System Free range of indoor units
is fully equipped with all the latest
technologies such as EC motors and PID
expansion valves, as well as compatibility
with the complete range of individual,
group or BMS-style controls to
complement the IVX, IVX Premium
and Set Free outdoor units
Residential room air conditioning
All Hitachi’s RAC units offer high seasonal
efficiencies, with the Premium range
achieving the highest level of energy
efficiency in the European market (SEER
A++ 8.13/SCOP A++ 4.72). The range,
equipped with functions such as human
sensor and stainless clean filter, features
the latest energy-saving technology
utilising Hitachi’s high-efficiency scroll

compressor and PAM control.
In addition, a new remote controller
is available, with eco mode and power
consumption display for homeowners to
monitor and take control of their energy
usage. The standard range also has
energy efficiency levels as high as A+/A+,
while a new indoor unit with a stylish
design has also been added the range.
Samurai powerful, yet quiet
Alongside the existing Samurai series,
new high efficiency models using R134a
refrigerant will be launched in 2013,
delivering 30%-50% better SEER than the
current model. Key product features are
an upgraded multi-functional touch screen
control panel, modular design where up to
eight units can be connected (up to
1300kW) and, where space is tight, its
unique “T” and “L”-shape configuration
will facilitate installation flexibility.
Fergus Daly, General Manager, Hitachi
Ireland says: “Hitachi has always put
environmental considerations at the heart
of its research and product development,
and the latest models achieve the
requirements of ErP ahead of the 2013
deadline.”
Contact: Fergus Daly, Hitachi Area
Sales Manager Ireland. Tel: 01 – 216 4406;
email: fergus.daly@hitachi-eu.com ■

17

Rads Intro:Layout 1

13/12/2012

15:45

Page 1

bs news ❙ November/December 2012

The sizing and selection
of radiators for domestic
heating systems
An observation by Frank Donohoe

Frank Donohoe is widely
known and respected
throughout the radiator
sector where he has over
30 years experience with
the leading market players.
He is now the owner of
Donohoe Heating Services,
a company formed to
support and advise
architects, engineers,
contractors and end users
in the correct sizing and
selection of heating systems
for domestic applications.
t: 01 – 846 0586;
m: 086 257 6854;
e: donohoeheatingservices
@eircom.net

18

Central heating systems utilising radiators remain a
simple, yet functional, solution to comfort-provision in
the majority of domestic applications. Central heating
radiators come in a vast array of styles, shapes and
materials, from basic round-top and compacts to the
more design-led multi columns, vertical panels and
columns, etc.
owel radiators have become almost
standard for bathrooms and there
are several styles available, with a
chrome finish becoming more fashionable.
Stainless steel models are also entering
the market and are particularly suitable for
applications where the towel radiator is
fed from the secondary services circuit.
With so much choice available the
designer must interpret the client’s brief
accurately. With the advent of on-line

T

searching and purchase, clients can get
overcome and confused with the amount of
choice available. This is where the designer
must advise based upon experience,
professionalism, and indeed common sense.
A pre-tender meeting is a good starting
point to ascertain the client’s preferred style
or budget options/restrictions. This also
prevents over ambitious selection and
potential time-consuming re-selections
when the project commences on site.

It further prevents the client from
getting enthusiastic over non-suitable
or impractical options.
I usually sit down with the clients to
see how they will be “living” in their
homes. By this I mean how they live as
a family – what rooms they principally
use day-to-day? Do they want to have
some feature radiators in key rooms?
Have their childrens’ bedrooms
become living spaces, for study,
socialising and general recreational
activity? All of the aforementioned
need to be reflected in the final
design and specification.
Since becoming more involved
within the domestic sector of the
industry I have noticed several
“habits” which are not necessarily
good practice but seem to be
proliferating within this area. There
are two key areas of concern I come
across regularly – heat loss and
radiator output.
When one mentions heat loss,
rules of thumb are used in most
cases. There is nothing wrong with a
rule of thumb estimate as long as it is
recognised as that and not a detailed
calculation of the heat requirement. It
may be fine for establishing a budget
but should not replace correct sizing
and specification of plant.
A lot of domestic installers simply
multiply the volume of a room by a
“factor” often between 7 and 10. Some
do not even realise this is based on
the old Btu’s per cubic foot model.
Others use various “calculators”,
which in themselves may be fine,
but the difficulty is that there are no
records of the design criteria utilised
nor room dimensions, etc. In the
event of an issue arising there is no
discussion document available and this
makes dispute-resolution more difficult.
Both of these options do not
represent a professional response to

20

establishing the correct radiator size
for a given room. These can lead to
incorrect sizing of radiators with
consequent reduction in performance
and lack of comfort for the client.
There is no real alternative to a
detailed calculation and the correct
sizing of the radiators.
Where over-sizing is a result, it
could be argued that TRV’s would
control the output. This is true, but if
the radiators are larger than they need
to be, they will be more expensive. In
the current competitive climate this
could see the job going elsewhere.
I have also noticed considerable
confusion in the output interpretation
of a radiator’s performance. Sometimes
when delta t (dt) is mentioned a mist
o
appears. “Sure I always use the dt60 C
because I get more output from the
radiator” is a common response.
o
Delta t60 C is based on the following
o
temperatures – flow 90 C; return
o
o
70 C; and room 20 C – and was the
basis of the old BS3528 Standard.
This was superseded in 1997 by
the new/current standard EN 442. This
o
o
is based on a dt50 C – flow 75 C;
o
o
return 65 C; and room 20 C.
The “perceived” performance
o
o
difference between dt60 C and dt50 C
can give rise to a reduction in output
of circa 20% (for 1000 watts required
you would need to select 1200 watts
o
@ dt50 C), which would have a
significant impact on the heat input
and comfort of the room.
This has been further complicated
in recent times with the use of
condensing boilers. In order to achieve
the maximum efficiency of the boiler,
it should operate in condensing mode
o
and this is typically – flow 55/60 C and
o
return 35/40 C, giving dt’s in the range
o
o
of 25 C to 30 C. From the base of
o
dt60 C this further increases the
“reduction” to circa 55/65% (for 1000

watts required you would need to
select 2500 to 3300 watts).
The above figures are for guidance
and will vary between manufacturers
and the specific exponent for the
radiator type. The example from
dt60ºC is utilised to illustrate the
potential performance issues that
can arise in domestic applications.
In practice, modern condensing
boilers can modulate their performance
range from the lower temperatures
o
(55/35 C), where maximum efficiency
is achieved, to more normal operating
temperatures which have no impact
on the radiator’s performance. The
ultimate selection of the radiator must
be a balance between common sense
and best achieving the design brief
of the client.
Heat pumps have similar, albeit a
greater, impact of the radiator sizes.
All new technologies are a step into
the unknown for most end users and
they frequently have an over
estimation of the benefits and lack of
understanding of the basics involved.
This is where we, as the professionals,
need to advise our clients on the
specifics of our design and explain to
them so they understand the principles
behind their installation. ■

24011 A4 Ad 26/07/2011 15:03 Page 1

For renewable or conventional systems,
new build or renovations MYSON
tick all the boxes
Whether you are planning a new build project, doing
renovation work or adding an extension, MYSON has
the optimum heating solution for you.

Choose MYSON and you can be confident that you
are using the highest quality products and receiving
the highest quality service available.

Designing and installing energy efficient heating solutions are
essential parts of reducing energy consumption in buildings
and, ultimately, achieving national targets for reducing CO2
emissions. As an innovative and responsible company,
Myson fully supports this commitment and has designed a
range of innovative, efficient products that are capable of
operating effectively at lower flow temperatures.

Myson Radiators – combining innovative designs
and styling with traditional strengths
When it comes to stunning looks, impressive performance and
sheer dependability, the Myson range of panel radiators sets new
standards. Whether standard or compact, the Premier and Select
flagship products deliver high heat outputs with low energy
consumption, and are extremely popular with installers and
end-users alike.
For instance, the Premier HE is one of the best-selling roundtop radiators on the market. It is elegant, versatile and highlyefficient, and is suitable for both domestic and commercial
applications. It is available in imperial and metric sizes.
Dependable and reliable, the Select is a popular range of
seam-top radiators available in standard and in compact models.
Then there is the Myson LST range. Here safety is paramount
but the design styles make sure that there is no compromise
on either performance outputs or aesthetics.
When it comes to column radiators, the traditional columnstyle Myson radiator is manufactured using unique laser-welding
technology. It is available in vertical and horizontal formats with
various heights and widths.
Other examples are the versatile Fowey and Luane ranges.
Fowey is a classic flat-tube design while the Luane is an efficient
and attractive round tube style. Both can be installed horizontally
or vertically.
Then there are the towel warmers.
Wensum is a flat-tube, ultra-practical
towel warmer, one of six models from
the modern stainless steel range. As an
increasingly popular and exciting
material, stainless steel is noncorrosive and delivers high heat
outputs.
On the other hand Champlain is
Left: Premier
a
square-tube
towel warmer with
Compact from Myson,
the
ultimate
in
compact
integrated
flat
tube
radiator –
They have been developed out of
radiator design. Above: The
the ultimate in practical
today’s fresh thinking on radiators and towel
dependable and reliable Select Standard.
bathroom heating.
warmers, viewing them as decorative items
The aforementioned are but a brief selection from the vast
and not just heating devices. From contemporary chic to
Myson radiator portfolio available in Ireland from Potterton
rural tradition, Myson has a solution for every application.
Myson Ireland. However, you can see the full collection on
Every Myson product is designed with the customers’ needs in
www.potterton-myson.ie
mind and manufactured to the most rigorous quality standards.
Contact: Potterton Myson Ireland. Tel: 01 – 459 0870;
That’s why there is a 10-year warranty on all radiators and towel
email: post@potterton-myson.ie ■
warmers.

The ECO seal of approval for Myson panel radiators indicates
their compatibility with all renewable energy sources and is
therefore proof of their economically and ecologically efficient
heat emission.
The Myson radiator portfolio extends from practical and
traditional ranges right through to the latest in fashionable
designer developments, including a comprehensive choice of
towel warmers. All are guaranteed to be both functional and to
create a focal point in any setting.

Gavin Westworth, Energy Manager and expert in
pumping at Xylem Water Solutions, argues that
calculating demand is the key to offering real
value with an energy audit.

Demand is the key
to energy efficiency,
not just VFDs
Back in the 1990s Arthur Andersen’s consultants were

24

known as Andersen’s Androids because their prescription
for company corporates was always the same, regardless
of the sector or the problems the company faced. The
solution was always to slash the cost base.
Much the same is now happening in the water industry
with energy consultants claiming to be able to drive
huge savings in energy costs. The problem is that their
prescription is all-too-often the same, namely: replace that
fixed speed pump with a variable frequency drive (VFD).
Unfortunately, this “one-size-fits-all” solution takes no
account of the interaction between the pump (or pumps)
with the pipework system through which fluid is transferred
from source to destination. There are only two ways of
reducing energy losses in pumping systems – either
reduce friction losses in the pipework and fittings, or
increase the efficiency of energy conversion from electrical
input power to fluid power (pressure and velocity).
The much-prescripted reduction in speed may reduce
energy consumption, but then again it may not. By
reducing pump speed the flow rate will drop, but the
benefit of reduced fluid friction is often outweighed by the
fall in efficiency of the motor/pump unit. It is an incorrect
assumption that power varies as the cube of speed, or that
pump efficiency stays constant with changes in speed.
Calculation of “achievable benefits” by speed control
cannot be carried out without details of the performance
characteristics of the pump unit, together with its
interaction with the pipework system in which it operates.
If the pump’s job is mainly overcoming friction in the
pipework system, then speed reduction will bring about a
substantial reduction in specific energy (energy required to
transfer a unit volume of liquid). However, if there are level
changes between source and destination, as is often the

case, then the change in pump speed can result in higher
energy consumption.
Furthermore, in multiple pump installations, informed
decisions must be made about changeover points and
optimised speeds. It is by no means uncommon to find a
situation where it is more efficient to run one pump at full
speed than two pumps at lower speed.
If the pumped liquid contains solid matter, care must be
taken to ensure that fluid velocities are sufficiently high to
transport the solids efficiently. A VFD that allows prolonged
operation at low speed may show considerable savings
in energy consumption but will increase the probability of
pump blockages, rag build up in the station riser pipe and
valves, and settlement in the rising main.
There are many reasons why pumping systems operate
inefficiently. The pump may be a poor match with the latest
demand for water or wastewater, or it may be in poor
condition. There may be high fluid velocities in pipes and
fittings or the control system may not be optimised.
The key to an energy audit in a pumping system is
understanding demand. Many systems were designed
for “worst possible case” – a condition that rarely, if ever,
occurs. This condition may still be relevant but consultants
should assess how much flow is required and when. Real
value from audits can only be derived from identifying how
the three elements of the pumping system – namely the
pumps, the pipework system and the control systems –
work together to meet that demand most efficiently.
Only by looking at the interaction of these elements is it
possible to identify the unnecessary losses and how best
they can be reduced or eliminated. Simply, prescribing
VFDs as the panacea for all known energy efficiency
problems will not deliver real value to the customer.
For information about Xylem’s TotalCare services call
01- 452 4444; email: flygtIRL@xyleminc.com, or visit
www.xylemwatersolutions.com/ie ■

Unitherm edit:Layout 1

13/12/2012

16:06

Page 1

bs news ❙ November/December 2012

Saving the environment
with sustainable solutions
Unitherm Heating Systems is one of Ireland’s leading suppliers
of innovative, sustainable, heating systems. It has a portfolio of
top-quality products from renowned European manufacturers,
and delivers custom-designed heating solutions incorporating
high-efficiency, engineering-led, technologies. It initially
concentrated on underfloor heating for domestic and
commercial installations but now offers fully-integrated
solutions which include complete control packages.
Every system is individually-designed
and supplied with full mechanical and
electrical CAD drawings. Indeed, a key
strength of the service provided is its ability
to interface with, and support, both the
electrical contractor and heating installer,
right through to final commissioning.
The product portfolio includes
established, market-leading, brands such
as Alpha, Solartherm, Daikin, Mitsubishi
Electric, Oventrop and Worcester Bosch.
The choice of solutions offered is extensive,
with products and systems available to
cater for all manner and size
of application.
Unitherm can design systems using
combined heat sources such as Solartherm
panels, heatpump and a boiler or solid fuel
stove etc. This can be achieved through
their Eco-combi multi-energy tank which
will allow up to three heat sources. The
whole system can be controlled by using
an advanced Merlin Control & Regulating
Unit which combines various open-loop and
closed-loop control functions. In addition to
the weather-dependent control of the boiler
and the heating circuits, it also naturally
controls the hot water supply, allowing hot
water to be controlled at various times and
temperatures over a 24-hour period.
On the boiler side, Alpha high-efficiency
condensing boilers offer a comprehensive
range of Sedbuk Band A rated combination,
system and regular gas boilers with outputs
from 12kW up to 115kW. Apart from new
installations, the Alpha range is ideal for
retrofit and refurbishment as older,

inefficient boilers can be replaced without
the need to replace pipework.
Alpha has a pedigree going back 40
years with a reputation for constantly
introducing innovative products
incorporating cutting-edge technology.
This is particularly true of its renewables
products which are specifically designed to
be compatible with the core boiler ranges.
The Alpha GasSaver, FlowSmart and
Alpha SolarSmart are typical examples.
GasSaver is easily installed between
the boiler and the flue and delivers hot
water savings of up to 37% and gas
consumption reductions of as much as
52%. It also reduces pluming as gases
expelled through the terminal are
significantly cooler, which in turn saves
energy and helps the environment.
SolarSmart also delivers impressive
energy-related savings by making solarbased domestic hot water heating more
accessible and cost-effective than ever
before. The system consists of a solar
collector panel, drain-back unit, solar
cylinder and solar valve. All items are
WRAS approved and come with a 10-year
guarantee, provided all recommended
installation guidelines are followed.
Then there is the Altherma air to water
heat pump from Daikin. Using proven
heat pump technology, Altherma utilises
naturally-occuring energy from the air
and uses this to provide domestic space
heating and hot water. It is easy to install
and reduces CO2 emissions by up to 50%
while delivering savings of 30% on home
heating running costs.

Alpha gas condensing boilers with gas saver.

Meanwhile Worcester Bosch is one of
Europe’s longest-established heat pump
specialists with a reputation for developing
innovative heat pump solutions dating back
over 30 years. It offers an extensive range
of heat pumps designed to extract heat
from everything from soil, rock, water and
outdoor air right through to ventilation
exhaust air. It also has a strong history of
collaborating with other world-leading
brands in related areas of expertise.
Taken together, the foregoing represents
what is undoubtedly one of the strongest
heating portfolios available in Ireland.
When combined with the expertise and
experience of Unitherm Heating Systems’
personnel, it makes for a formidable market
force offering infinite heating solutions for
types of application.
Contact: Unitherm Heating Systems.
Dublin: Tel: 01 – 610 9153;
Galway: Tel: 091 – 380 038;
email: info@uni-therm.net ■

25

Henrad edit:Layout 1

13/12/2012

15:50

Page 1

bs news ❙ November/December 2012

Henrad Radiators, part of the Ideal
Stelrad Group of companies, are
the latest addition to the Hevac
heating portfolio. Renowned across
the UK and mainland Europe as
a leading radiator brand, Henrad
radiators offer competitive solutions
for both commercial and residential
applications .

Henrad from Hevac – beautiful
radiators for modern living
The Henrad radiator range is extensive, none more so

26

than the Henrad Compact radiator with over 160 variants.
The new decorative ranges Verona, Everest Line, Alto Line
and Henrad Column all complement the popular and wellestablished Henrad Compact radiator. These new ranges
deliver an up-market look with a modern twist, suitable for
any dwelling.
Brief details of each of the ranges are as follows:
– Verona: Manufactured from 1.5mm thick steel, Verona
offers visual appeal combined with advanced technology,
while providing a contemporary solution for a huge range
of applications. With a choice of four types and a variety
of sizes and outputs, the Verona allows extensive flexibility
of siting, while breaking new barriers in heating efficiency.
– Column: The most modern execution of a traditional
concept, this classic style brings innovation and reliability to
a high-performance design. Vertical and horizontal options
offer a modern alternative to a traditional panel radiator, and
will enhance both contemporary and traditional settings.
– Everest Line: With its flat front panel featuring pleasing
horizontal lines, the Henrad Everest Line radiator offers
contemporary good looks, adding a new dimension to
any room.
– Alto Line: The Henrad Alto Line radiator incorporates all
the features of the Henrad Everest Line but with a
vertical line design.
– Compact: With a slim profile and smooth, white finish,
Henrad Compact radiators will blend into any room
in the house, to provide guaranteed heating performance.
Contact: Garrett White, Director, Hevac. Tel: 01 – 419 1919;
email: garrettwhite@hevac.ie; www.hevac.ie ■

IPFMA edit:Layout 1

13/12/2012

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Page 1

bs news ❙ November/December 2012

IPFMA NEWS
IPFMA
IPFMA Skillnet
Now in its second year, IPFMA Skillnet
provides regular educational courses and
forums to meet the property and facility
management sector’s broad range of
training needs, the employability of its
workforce, and member company
competitiveness.
IPFMA Skillnet presently includes open
courses to meet member priority training
needs; in-house training, which is grantassisted; on-line courses designed to
provide flexible self-paced learning; and
learning and development expertise. This
covers information and advice on best
practice learning and development that
includes needs analysis assistance,
training plans and training solutions.
There are also networking opportunities,
such as specially-structured events to
promote shared learning between
employees at all levels within a company,
as well as between network member
companies. Most importantly, IPFMA
Skillnet includes jobseeker support.
The open training course calendar is on
our website at www.ipfma.com/ipfmaskillnet
and members can identify those of most
use to them. We are currently seeking to
enhance it for regional members by
developing additional on-line learning
platforms and recorded events.

Meet the Members Day 2012
Members thoroughly enjoyed the inaugural Meet the Members Day at the
K Club in Kildare. The day’s outing included a range of activities, such as golf and
clay pigeon shooting, ending up with an evening dinner and prize presentation.
Special thanks to our sponsors Burlington Engineering, SOS Cleaning Services,
Executive Express Coaches and IPFMA Skillnet.

Annual Conference 2012
This year’s IPFMA annual conference was a tremendous success. More property and
facility management and other professionals attended than ever before, with over 160
delegates convening at Croke Park for the one-day event.
Titled Property: A New Approach, it focused on new approaches to commercial
property and facility management, in particular the vitally-important area of managing
assets effectively in the context of the current ill-health and growth prospects of the
Irish economy.

MIPFMA Higher Certificate course success
There was a marked increase in applications this year for the new two and a half

Above: Meet the Members Day at the
K Club in Kildare.

year educational course, the IPFMA Higher Certificate in Property & Facilities
Management (Level 6) programme.
There was an intake of 23 new students for the September 2012 programme,
with classes being held at DIT Bolton Street and Aungier Street. The course is
accredited by DIT Bolton Street and the first of its kind in Ireland. Second year
students continue to progress well.

Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) has
been around for over 50 years but it is still a relatively
new technology to the Irish market. For some reason
when heat recovery units (HRVs) first emerged in any kind
of volume on the Irish market in 2005, they were not
taken on by the traditional ventilation industry. Instead it
was the renewable energy sector that took them up. From
the outset they were established as a renewable energy
which begged the question – what was the payback?

Heat recovery – the
debate continues

28

The answer, although this point
will be strongly argued, is that there is no
payback. Ventilation is NOT a renewable
energy. It is a mechanical device which
uses energy to ventilate a building. It is,
however, an essential component of any
building and will indirectly help save
energy overall by allowing you build with
high levels of insulation and airtightness.
MVHR systems should be a simple
process but unfortunately there are many
issues that can arise and cause problems.
However, if each step of the process is
controlled, these problems can be
eliminated. The key elements to having an
effective MVHR system are as follows:

Specification
A detailed specification should be
prepared, not just for compliance with Part
F of the Building Regulations but to ensure
that the system will be fit-for-purpose
and provide “adequate” ventilation for
the occupants and the dwelling. The
specification should cover the unit and the
air; what airflows above the minimum
standard are required (if applicable); the
ventilation capacity of the unit; and the
ducting type and its dimensions.
If sections of the air distribution or the
unit are in an un-insulated section of the
dwelling and require insulation, this should
be specified and not just relied on as being

a regulation. The required efficiency across
the exchanger and the noise levels should
also be specified. It is equally important
that the specification is achievable from
an installation perspective, particularly
in regard to the air distribution.
In regard to the noise level, there is
no point specifying that the system must
be less than 25dB(A) unless a significant
budget is in place to facilitate this.
Specifying that noise levels from valves
must not exceed 28dB(A) on the low
setting and 30dB(A) on the high setting
is very realistically achievable.
Design
A detailed specification will enable
a detailed design. In many cases the
specifier may well be the designer of the
system. The design should clearly show
the location of the unit, primary supply,
primary exhaust and the air distribution
system. It should state the exhaust and
supply airflow rates in the relevant rooms
and these should be shown with the unit
operating at low speed and high speed.
The duct runs with their dimensions
and the location of each air termination
valve should also be shown on the
drawing to scale. The design also needs to
show how the condensate connection to
the waste water pipe will be made. The
design should match the specification.
Installation
Installation of MVHR systems is simple. If
the specification and design are detailed

Ciaron King

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and easy to follow, it greatly reduces the
potential for problems. I will not address
installation problems due to poor
workmanship, which is a separate issue.
The point is that installation is not complex
but the installer needs to have a design
that specifically suits the application.
Commissioning
The purpose of commissioning a system
is to (a) ensure that the installation is in
compliance with Part F; (b) that the system
was installed in accordance with the
specification and design of the system;
and (c) that the end-user receives the
handover of all operation and
maintenance manuals and is shown how
to use the system. Commissioning should
be carried out by a competent person
using a calibrated (INAB or equivalent)
anemometer. It is important to ensure
that the anemometer is suitable for
low-volume, low-velocity, measuring.
Maintenance
MVHR systems are generally perceived
to be far more complex than traditional
ventilation systems and therefore require
more expertise to service them. Most of
the servicing contractors will have plugand-play style diagnostics from the
manufacturer to facilitate quick and
easy analysis. Filter cleaning and filter
changing are the only frequent items to
be considered and these are usually done
by the occupier of the house. Annual
servicing should be carried out by an
MVHR service specialist.
Most common problems
Last minute changes – Where the home
owner has decided to change the location
of the unit or the use of a room, installers
should not try to oblige the end user. They
should immediately contact the system
designer to see if changes can be made
on site or if a re-design is required.
Water leaking – This can be caused by
the condensate drain attached to the
MVHR either being incorrectly fitted or
not fitted at all. Water leaking through

Detailed specification and design are essential
if considering a mechanical ventilation system
(MVS) or a mechanical ventilation heat
recovery (MVHR) system.

termination valves and collecting in ducts
happens because un-insulated ductwork
has been used where it should have
been insulated.
Noise – Undersized units, undersized
ducting, excessively long duct runs and
too many bends can all cause noise, as can
using “roof tile vents” as the primary
supply without sufficient free area.
Unbalanced systems – An incorrectlybalanced system can lead to draughts in
some rooms with inadequate ventilation
in other rooms.
Excessive condensation in some wet
rooms – This is usually a design issue,
particularly with north-facing walls which
are tiled floor to ceiling and have highvolume power showers. Wet rooms with
these conditions require higher levels of
ventilation.

Conclusion
In conclusion, mechanical ventilation units
– with or without heat recovery – are
an important aspect for providing more
control over the ventilation rate required.
With an MVS system running 24/7-365
you require a lower m³/h air change
rate. This means that less infiltrated
fresh air needs to be heated by the
dwelling’s heating system. This alone
is saving energy.
If you add heat recovery then your
MVHR is further reducing your primary
heating energy load by transferring a
percentage of the waste heat energy to
the incoming air. Also, MVS and MVHR
are generally not affected by wind and
external pressure differences.
Finally, MVHR systems in general
provide a significantly higher rate of
indoor air quality than traditional systems
– this is primarily due to the filtration
systems incorporated into the units.
I have seen many problems with MVHR
systems and in most of these cases it is
not a single-fault issue. It is always that
at least one of the above five steps has
been compromised or missed out
completely. The primary fault is that
ventilation is pretty close to the bottom
of most peoples’ priority list and, as a
result, it is usually the “cheapest”
system that goes in.
Economy of scale applies to
ventilation systems also. The most
expensive system is not always the best
and in some cases the least expensive
may be the best option. However, if
two companies are quoting against a
specification there should be very little
difference between quotes.
The bottom line is that energy
efficient ventilation is here to stay. It is
functional, practical and it does what
it says on the tin. However, if any of the
five steps are left out or compromised
it will not work. My advice is that if the
budget does not allow for an energy
efficient ventilation system (MVHR or
DCV), then don’t build a low-energy
home. ■

29

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A
d
r
a
c
t
pos
from
d
a
o
r
ab

30

London 2012 was a very
special year, a celebration
of sport and heritage. My
time in London kicked off
just before Christmas
2011 so it was great to
be a part of all these
celebrations. London is
quite a friendly place and
the people at GE Capital
Real Estate (the real
estate investment arm
of General Electric) were
very welcoming to their
new Irish colleague.

started work in the recentlyrefurbished GE Capital Real
Estate office in Hammersmith
as an Energy Management Advisor.
I think the team from Minneapolis
had been retired some years earlier
(see pic)! My work involves dealing
with a large real estate investment
and management team across
Europe, helping to continue the rollout of key sustainability and
energy-efficiency initiatives, and to
improve building performance
for the occupants.
It is perhaps a little ironic that the
office where I am based is called
“The Ark”, a landmark building in
Hammersmith, providing shelter
from the economic storm raging at
home. This new role provided me
an excellent opportunity to continue
doing what I love most about my
work – to make our indoor
environment a better place to live
in a more efficient way.
One of the most striking things
about London is the contrast

I

Guys Hospital boiler house
in the foreground with the
landmark Shard in the
background.

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November/December 2012

between the bright city lights
and the open parklands.
My bicycle commute
through Wimbledon
Common, Richmond
Park and the banks of the
Thames was certainly a
very pleasant way of
seeing the quiet side of
London. The Ark has
excellent gymnasium,
showers and locker
facilities for the more
active commuters and so I
set myself an arduous
training regime!
However, the audition at
the Apollo in Hammersmith
for Britain’s Got Talent was
unsuccessful as Simon Cowell
felt he could not teach an old dog
any new tricks (see postcard).
Besides, Pudsey had much more
potential. So I stuck with what
I knew best and continued on
with what was really a very
exciting year.
My work took me to buildings
all across Europe – Stockholm,
Frankfurt, Madrid, Paris, Barcelona,
Milan, Gothenburg and Dusseldorf.
While the usual restrictions on time
for sightseeing applied, it is very
interesting to see the different ways
HVAC technologies are applied in
the different countries.
Other highlights during the year
included watching the botched up
Boat Race from Craven Cottage.
I was sure the impostor who swam
between the two crews was the
mad Irish priest, but thankfully he
wasn’t, he was a crackpot of local
origins! There were the
celebrations for the Queen’s
Jubilee for which the whole country
entered into party mode.
Then there was the most exciting
Wimbledon in years with Andy
Murray making the final and a win
for the locals in the men’s doubles.
This was followed by Bradley

One of the most
striking things about
London is the contrast
between the bright city
lights and the open
parklands

This is how John’s colleagues would have
dressed had he joined General Electric in 1918.

Wiggins’s win in the TdF and
you know the rest as regards the
outstanding Olympic Games. I had
to share some golden moments
with another nation of Green and
Gold following the Jamaicans’
victories in the sprinting events.
Thank goodness Katie Taylor
won gold, but what followed in the
Paralympic Games was absolutely
spell-binding and, for me, the
best moments of the year. The
Londoners packed the venues
to watch the true grit and
determination of athletes who
have higher hurdles to jump than
the rest of us. It was both emotional
and motivating. The Irish athletes
and their supporters did us very,
very proud.
Looking forward to next year,
I can’t let the opportunity go by
without flagging two activities of
note in the Geothermal Association
of Ireland, a conference in Kilkenny
in November and a competition for
non-domestic installations. More
details to follow shortly.
I wish everyone a peaceful and
happy Christmas and may your
endeavours bring you fulfilment
in 2013. ■

31

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Easi-Seal shower
tray innovation
omerby is Ireland’s

S

leading resin-bonded shower
tray manufacturer and has
been operating out of its Cappagh,
Co Waterford site since 1989.
Managing Director is Chris Clancy
who joined the company in 1990 as
General Manager and is now also
a 50% shareholder in the company.
Chris has overseen significant
product development and market
growth over the last 20 years and the
company is now the main supplier to
some of Ireland’s largest bathroom
distributors, as well as selected Irish
bathroom retailers. It also supplies
the UK market via a network of
appointed specialist distributors.
To date Somerby has manufactured
and supplied over 600,000 resinbonded shower trays in a large range
of different sizes and shapes, in
standard and low-profile heights.
Somerby also manufactures a
unique range of shower trays called
the Easi-Seal Tray. These units have
an integrated and leak-proof tiling
upstand and were created to eliminate
the regular and expensive problems of
water leakage where the standard tray
meets the tiles. It avoids the need for
costly and unreliable stick-on upstands
which the plumber very often has to
use during installation.

32

Proven innovation
Product innovation is a critical element
of the Somerby philosophy. To that
end substantial funds are invested
annually in research and development
to bring to the market unique products
conceived, designed, developed,
patented and manufactured by
the company.
Somerby obtained UK and Ireland

Chris Clancy, Managing Director.

patents on the Easi-Seal Tray in 1992
and since then it has manufactured
and supplied 180,000 of these units.
This product continues to be a great
success and Somerby has never had
a customer complaint or product
failure on Easi-Seal.
Production excellence
Somerby has a highly-skilled,
motivated and experienced staff, most
of whom have been with the company
for over 20 years. Over the years they

have designed and developed new
products, processes and equipment,
as well as continually improving the
systems and efficiency of the factory.
They are flexible and open in their
outlook and relish the opportunity to
bring new and innovative products to
the marketplace.
Looking to the future, Chris Clancy
is well aware of the difficult trading
environment he and his colleagues
face but is confident in their ability to
rise to the challenge. “Somerby is an
innovative, tightly-run business”,says
Chris. “We succeed by providing topclass products and unbeatable service
to our customers. The staff are highlyskilled and highly-motivated, and are
totally flexible so that we can always
respond – with speed and efficiency –
to all situations”.
Contact: Chris Clancy,
Managing Director, Somerby.
Tel: 058 – 68247; 086 – 250 1657;
email: somerbyltd@eircom.net ■

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SDAR* Awards
2013 entry
deadline

underpin leading-edge work with evaluation. Postoccupancy evaluation is a major feature of this event.
This facilities the transition from ideologically-driven
projects, sometimes offering poor value, to evidencebased innovations that prove value or identify
weaknesses.
From the abstracts submitted by the Monday,
31 December 2012 deadline, a shortlist will be
selected by peer review, and those selected will be

Short abstracts (between 100200 words max) for entry
into the SDAR* Awards 2013
must be submitted by Monday,
31 December 2012, by email
directly to Michael McDonald
and/or Kevin Kelly of DIT at
michael.mcdonald@dit.ie
and kevin.kelly@dit.ie

invited to prepare final papers by January 2013.
Five papers were shortlisted in 2012, four of which
were presented at the awards in March 2012 in DIT.
The winner was James McConnologue from RTE, who
presented a paper investigating the
energy performance of a building's
chilled water system (CHWS),
primarily focusing on the system’s
direct electrical energy
consumption. This research
The SDA
R*
Journal
Novembe
r
2012
Issue 2

paper, along with others, will be
published in the SDAR* Journal

The jou
rna

l of Ap
plied Res
in Innova
earch
tive Eng
ineering
Built Env
of the
ironment

in the coming weeks –

Sustainab
De le
Ƭ
A
Resear
ch

http://arrow.dit.ie/sdar/
Next year's final will take





The SDAR* Awards is a joint initiative between

place

CIBSE Ireland and DIT, supported by bs news, and

on Thursday, 14 March 2013 in DIT, Kevin Street.

sponsored by John Sisk & Son. The awards, which are
gaining momentum each year, are unique in that
they are intended to disseminate knowledge,
encourage research in sustainable engineering of the



nvir


For further information contact:
Michael McDonald at michael.mcdonald@dit.ie or
Kevin Kelly at kevin.kelly@dit.ie

built environment, and raise the quality of innovation
in such projects. Entries are required to critically
evaluate re-life data, and examine both successes and
challenges within leading-edge projects throughout
Ireland or further afield.

Sustainable
DeƬ
A
Research

Collaborations between industry and academia allows
the building services profession to develop and

nvir

33

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Duff triumphs at
Young Lighter
Awards
The final of the Irish Young lighter took place
recently at DIT Kevin St in Dublin. The awards
yet again confirmed themselves as the premier
lighting awards within the industry and are keenly
contested by qualifying students, recent
graduates and established engineers.
Stephen Donohoe, DIT and SLL Republic Of
Ireland Rep, opened proceedings in the company
of Keith Sunderland, DIT and CIBSE and Sean
O’Dowd, CIBSE Vice-Chairman. It was a keenlycontested affair that saw three finalists present a
broad range of topics, ranging from LED lighting
in an office environment, to the impact for
illumination engineers based on the new SLL
Code for lighting, and solar shading. The
competition was extremely well attended with
almost 100 people representing industry
professionals and students present on
the occasion.
The presentations, like all past years, were of
an extremely high technical quality. Promoters of
the awards are CIBSE and DIT, with main
sponsorship from CIBSE Ireland. Additional
support is provided by the Society of Light &
Lighting, the Institute of Lighting Professionals
(ILP), and CIBSE NI.
The finalists were awarded their prizes by
CIBSE Ireland Vice-Chairman Sean O’Dowd
and Treasurer Damien Flynn.
Stephen Donohoe, Dr Kevin Kelly and the team
within the DIT School of Electrical Engineering
brought the proceedings to a close.

Stephen Donohoe with Dr Kevin Kelly and Michael McDonald. All three
represent DIT, CIBSE and SLL.

Young Lighter submissions
• James Duff, Arup, for his paper The 2012 SLL
Code for Lighting: The impact for illumination
engineers;
• Graham Langton, DIT, for his paper Shading
Design Guide;
• Stephen Dwyer for his paper An investigation
into LED tubular lighting in an office environment.

What’s new with pumps?
Class A ef ficiency is
the new benchmark
The thing about pumps is that they are everywhere …
in boilers, solar thermal systems, heat pumps, micro
CHP, etc. So, if told that they could save 70% on power
consumption by switching to a high efficiency
Class A circulating pump, would
your customers be interested?
The change from standard
efficiency to high efficiency pumps
is driven by legislation via the
ErP Directive that demands all
circulating pumps move to a
high efficiency model in new
systems from 1 January 2013.
With the ErP Directive
2009/125/EC, the European
Union is promoting climate
protection further. This legal
regulation for energyrelated products – ErP
for short – limits
electricity consumption
considerably, even for
heating circulation
pumps. In effect, this
Directive signals the end
of inefficient pumps.

by Paul Clancy,
Managing Director,
Potterton Myson Ireland.

Uncontrolled pumps are
responsible for 20% of the world's
electricity consumption. This
means that all pump manufacturers
will have to cease production of
standard-efficiency pumps from
the end of this year.
Very often the imposition of new
legislation or directives presents
difficulties and challenges for the
industry sector affected. This is
not the case with the new ErP
Directive. If anything, it will
provide a business stimulus.
The running cost savings
delivered by the reduced power
consumption of ErP-compliant
pumps is great news for the entire
industry. Specifiers, and especially
installers, are now armed with the
ammunition to undertake a major
pump upgrade/replacement
campaign.
Calling all contractors –
this is an excellent
opportunity for you to
increase your business while,
at the same time, delivering
value for money services –
in addition to genuine costs
savings – to your customers. ■

35

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“

I would like to thank the CIBSE Ireland Committee
for their enormous contribution over the last nine
months. Despite being a totally voluntary
organisation, we run an ultra-professional
operation which is the envy of many.

”

As I prepare to pass the baton …
Derek Mowlds reflects on his role as
Chairman of CIBSE Ireland region
Since assuming the role of CIBSE
Ireland Chairman in April 2011, I have
thoroughly enjoyed working with the
CIBSE Committee to develop and deliver
our programme of events and activities to
all involved in building services in Ireland.
In terms of time management, it’s been
a challenge for everybody due to
increased demand on our availability
as we work through difficult times. As a
senior project manager with PM Group
I fully understand how my CIBSE
Committee colleagues have to juggle
their day jobs with their CIBSE duties,
and I really appreciate their efforts
I have strived to increase awareness
of our profession in the wider built

36

environment through engagement with
other institutions and organisations, and
by highlighting our central role in achieving
improved efficiency and performance of
new and existing buildings.
We have made a concerted effort to
engage with all the professional bodies
and institutions involved in not just
building services, but construction as a
whole. Everyone now recognises that we
need a holistic approach to the built
environment and my active engagement
as the CIBSE representative on the Irish
Green Building Council (IGBC) is very
productive in this respect.
We also reinforced our links with
ASHRAE by again hosting the recent

visit of ASHRAE President Tom Watson
to Ireland. In addition to a special lunch
and tour of facilities at DIT Kevin St and
Bolton St, Tom also delivered the annual
Pat Benson Memorial Lecture.
The imminent publication of Ireland’s
second National Energy Efficiency Action
Plan (NEEAP) will require the skills and
expertise of building services engineers
to make savings beyond the low hanging
fruit. It is up to us collectively through
CIBSE Ireland – and individually in our
daily professional activity – to make this
contribution.
As an industry sector we have a vast
reservoir of knowledge and expertise to
bring to the table. I see this day in day out,
but particularly so when when reading
the SDAR* Applied Research Journal.
This is a collaborative initiative between
CIBSE Ireland and DIT Kevin St. The first
edition in 2012 covered a wide range of
engineering best practice and evidencebased design resulting in lower energy
and enhanced building performance.
Industry co-sponsor was Airtricity.
Just as bs news went to press we
had the publication and official launch
of the 2012 edition at DIT Aungier Street
where Professor Brian Norton, DIT
President, did the honours. Industry

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co-sponsor for this edition was Electric
Ireland.
This again is crammed with evidencebased research data on actual projects,
with the emphasis on not just what
works, but also on what does not work.
I look forward to feedback from Industry
and beyond. Dr Kevin Kelly, past CIBSE
Chairman and Head of Department,
Electrical Services Engineering, School
of Electrical Engineering Systems, DIT,
has been central to the quality and
success of this important publication.
Our conference last year –
Engineering Opportunities: An
Integrated Approach – brought together
professionals from across the built
environment to discuss total project
delivery, from legal and procurement,
design and BIM, to commissioning, postoccupancy evaluation and in use. We
were delighted and honoured to have
CIBSE President Andy Ford attending,
and he subsequently wrote an article on

Derek Mowlds, CIBSE Ireland Chairman
with ex-Chairman Margaret Dolan and
ASHRAE President Tom Watson,
pictured after Margaret had been
presented with her CIBSE Bronze
Medal.

his visit which was published in bs news.
We are already in full planning mode
for next year’s event, an international
conference centred on lighting and best
practice. Full details are available on our
website www.cibseireland.org
I will continue to represent the Irish
Region at CIBSE HQ in London by

Group pictured at DIT Bolton St prior to delivery of the Pat Benson Memorial Lecture
by ASHRAE President Tom Watson.

attending the Regional Liaison
Committee and CIBSE Council meetings
when my term of office concludes early
next year. I have also been elected by
the CIBSE Board to continue with the
Council in London. It will be an honour
to fulfil this role.
The status of CIBSE Ireland within
the general framework of CIBSE
internationally is extremely high, and
our contribution and input into the overall
affairs of the Institution is recognised
and acknowldeged. Just recently two
of our past Chairs – Alan Duggan and
Margaret Dolan – received the CIBSE
Bronze Medal for outstanding
contributions to the Institution.
Congratulations to both from all on
the CIBSE Committee.
I will officially end my term as
Chairman at the next CIBSE AGM in
April 2013, where I will pass the baton
to the incoming Chairman, Sean Dowd
MCIBSE Ceng. As Vice-Chairman Sean
has already been very active and I know
he will continue to represent the members,
and the wider building services sector,
extremely well during his term.
In conclusion I would like to thank the
CIBSE Ireland Committee for their
enormous contribution over the last nine
months. Despite being a totally voluntary
organisation, we run an ultra-professional
operation which is the envy of many. In
that context I would also like to thank
all of our members, sponsors and
supporters who have helped throughout
the year.

Events from 2011/12 included
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIBSE Lunch 2011 with Noel Morrin of Skanska
The CIBSE Conference in Croke Park
Summer social B-B-Q
ASHRAE President’s visit and lecture
LED masterclass at Engineers Ireland
The Irish Lighter and SDAR* Awards
CIBSE at the Better Buildings Conference in the Royal Hospital
Publication and launch of SDAR* Applied Research Journal 2012
Comprehensive programme of technical evenings
Intelligent Buildings with Prof Clements Croome at Engineers Ireland
CIBSE AGM

Derek Mowlds MCIBSE,
Chairman
CIBSE Ireland Region

37

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CITA, the

Building Information Modelling

Construction

CITA BIM workshops –
keynote address by
Judit Kimpian

Information
Technology
Alliance came
together over a
decade ago to
help
the Irish
construction
sector adopt
information and
communication
technologies.

38

his year it organised a series of ten BIM
workshops to improve the awareness
of Building Information Modelling among
professionals in the sector, writes Judit Kimpian,
Director, CarbonBuzz Project Manager, Aedas.
The final session was in November at the
Royal College of Physicians – a beautiful space,
built well over a 100 years ago, entirely without
any computer technology. As the keynote
speaker I was asked to put Building Information
Modelling into an international context, talk
about barriers and opportunities globally.
Aedas has been a major global player for
integrating information technology in the
design process and the practice and has a
great portfolio of projects demonstrating this
approach. The tools and platforms used over
the years have varied enormously – to illustrate
this journey through the evolving technologies
I showed a cross section of case studies.
A key characteristic to these was the variety
of software packages used to achieve design
aims, which were both aesthetic and
performative. Many of the projects shown are
complete, with some on site, while others are
still on the virtual drawing board. Much of the
recent work built on the findings of Aedas-led

T

research, such as CarbonBuzz, as well as
detailed post-occupancy evaluations.
This type of collaborative project helped the
industry expose the gap between design stage
predictions and actual energy use. The practice
now works towards targeting low operational
energy use and relies heavily on virtual
information models.
Judging from the questions after the talk,
what seemed to interest most was the business
case for adopting BIM, ie the day to day benefits
and costs. Most of the audience associated the
use of Autodesk’s Revit with the ‘B’ word.
Although it has taken a while, the US software
house has become very successful in promoting
its platform in North America and internationally.
There was some awareness in the 70+ strong
audience of other platforms too, such as
ArchiCad, which is big in Continental Europe
and well known around the world, while Bentley
is particularly popular for infrastructure projects
and large design-focused London practices
such as Fosters or Grimshaws.
This is not atypical – software packages like
Digital Project and Rhino tend to be used mainly
by complex high-end projects not because of
cost but because Autodesk has done such a
good job of automating what most people think
BIM is: interactive drawing extraction and
scheduling. Given the functionality available
today one does wonder why anyone would do
an area calculation or ironmongery schedule
by hand ever again.
Yet the term BIM refers to more than this.
At the least it gives an opportunity to get all
disciplines, mechanical, structural, architectural,
to use the same 3D model for coordination,
reducing the risk of having to rectify clashes onsite at a high cost. Where this works, it tends to
lead to much faster design times and greater

certainty of the outcome. Where it can fall
short of expectations is the willingness for
the whole design team to model in 3D.
Most engineers are reluctant to put
anything to 3D for a “simple” project until
the design is “finished” as in most cases
their calculations do not rely on 3D models.
If the design changes, not only do they
need to recalculate but they need to
remodel too, adding further to their
workload – for a fixed fee. It is only the
more complex projects that make sense
to model early, as these would need to
go through 3D based analysis.
The issue here is that interoperability
between analysis packages and
mainstream BIM platforms is notoriously
bad. Users rightly ask why they should
model twice, once for the analysis and
once for BIM. Major software developers
are now looking at this problem more
closely and are beginning to see
interoperability as a business opportunity.
Platforms like Rhinoceros became

extremely popular among young
professionals for exactly this type of
flexibility – watch this space.
To adopt building information modelling
a practice needs to invest in training, new
hardware and software infrastructure and
allow teams the time for the learning curve,
all of which is costly. When the process is
well managed the gains are substantial.
But when not, the consequences can be
costly. It is everyone’s worst dream to be
staring at a computer screen close to a
deadline unable to extract the right
information for a submission.
It is therefore essential to have one
person on every team that understands
how to set up and run a model depending
on the information likely to be extracted
from it.
The Holy Grail of building information
modelling is to be able to manage all
information relating to a project from
“cradle to grave”. Use 3D scanning to
model existing buildings in 3D, develop

concept designs, extract information and
drawings, use the 3D and the associated
database of components and properties to
drive facilities management and reuse/
recycling at end of life.
The catch is that different stage models
need different data structures. Early stage
models need to be light and nimble,
provide great visuals and feedback about
the impact of briefing decisions and
appearance on cost, whole life cost,
thermal comfort, structural performance,
embodied carbon, etc. Aedas’ Tall Building
Simulation model (below) is a good
example for this. In later stages a model
requires lots of components and data
attached to those components, such as
typology, fire performance, cost,
maintenance requirements, etc and
provide feedback about quantities,
schedules and assemblies.
It is currently difficult to “design”,
“analyse” and get beautiful images from
a program fundamentally geared towards
drawing extraction and scheduling, while
it is equally hard to schedule and extract
drawings and work packages from a
conceptual modelling tool.
With more evidence emerging about
the productivity gains to be had from BIM
and more and more projects placing an
emphasis on building performance,
adopting the technology is increasingly
looking like a no-brainer. The trick is
knowing what to use and when – after
all, some things are best solved with
a pencil. ■

Early stage models need to be light and nimble, provide great visuals and feedback about the impact of briefing decisions and
appearance (left). Aedas’ Tall Building Simulation model (right) is a good example for this.

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